More than a whisker Kitten’s Romance, a 6-year-old daughter of Kitten’s Joy-Illapa, won her second race in her past third starts. Under Rafael Hernandez, the Don MacRae trainee recorded a 1 ¼-length victory in Saturday’s first race as the 1-5 choice. Owned by Michael Lay and D-Mac Racing Stable Inc., Kitten’s Romance is 5-9-8 from 36 career starts. Kitten’s Romance and jockey Rafael Hernandez winning Race 1 on December 16, 2023 (Michael Burns Photo) Home is where the wire is Home for a Rest, bred and owned by Frank Di Giulio, Jr., broke his maiden in Saturday’s third race. Trained by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Robert Tiller, the 2-year-old daughter of Souper Speedy-Holidaying eked out a head victory, fending off rival Rosieposie in the 6 ½-furlong dash contested on the all-weather track. Home for a Rest and jockey Sofia Vives winning Race 3 on December 16, 2023 (Michael Burns Photo) Thank you berry much Flowers ‘n Berries, a 3-year-old daughter of Souper Speedy-Mischievous Mia, won her first race in 13 months courtesy of a 2 ½-length score on Saturday. Fraser Aebly, enjoying a strong 2023 campaign, guided the bay filly to victory in the six-furlong race over the all-weather track. She paid $4.20 for the win. Flowers ‘n Berries and jockey Fraser Aebly winning Race 4 on December 16, 2023 (Michael Burns Photo) A dream fulfilled Needs Fulfilled, a 2-year-old son of Good Samaritan-Top Seeded, rallied from out of the clouds in Sunday’s first race to notch his first career victory. Ridden by Skye Chernetz, the bay gelding, trained by Dave Cotey, who co-owns with breeder Richard Forbush, paid $31.60 for the win. It was the fifth start for Needs Fulfilled. Needs Fulfilled and jockey Skye Chernetz winning Race 1 on December 17, 2023 (Michael Buns Photo) Have you heard the one about…? Bred and owned by Al and Bill Ulwelling, 2-year-old Jokestar delivered a winning punchline in Sunday’s sixth race. In rein to leading rider Kazushi Kimura, the son of Practical Joke-Starmaline scored by a head in the 1 1/16-mile race. The bay colt paid $4.60 for the win. Worth hearing “I am very grateful to all the trainers and owners who gave me an opportunity to ride so many great horses this year. I’d like to thank the grooms, exercise riders, hot walkers, gate crew, outriders, and everyone else who makes our sport so great. And I would like to thank all the horses, the stars of our sport and the best athletes you will find.” – Woodbine’s 2023 leading jockey, Kazushi Kimura. Worth watching Watch as Jimmies Big Day and jockey Kazushi Kimura team up to take the final race of the 2023 Thoroughbred season. Worth knowing Read about the rise of 19-year-old apprentice rider Fraser Aebly, who has triumphed in the aftermath of a family tragedy. Story linked here. Share This:Share
